epigone

[ ep-i-gohn ]

noun

1. an undistinguished imitator, follower, or successor of an important writer, painter, etc.

epigone

/ ˈɛpɪˌɡɒn; ˈɛpɪˌɡəʊn /

noun

1. rare.
   an inferior follower or imitator

Other Words From

• ep·i·gon·ic [ep-i-, gon, -ik], adjective
• e·pig·o·nism [ih-, pig, -, uh, -niz-, uh, m, e-, pig, -, ep, -, uh, -goh-niz-im, -gon-iz-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of epigone¹

First recorded in 1860–65; from Latin epigonus, from Greek epígonos “(one) born afterward,” equivalent to epi- + -gonos, akin to gígnesthai “to be born, become”; epi-

Word History and Origins

Origin of epigone¹

C19: from Greek epigonos one born after, from epigignesthai; see epigene

Example Sentences

Gingrich inspired in his epigones a destructive — or to use a favorite term of his brightest student, “nasty” — style of politics.

From Washington Post